Stocks extended gains on Tuesday as investors eyed developments in Italy where Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces a crucial vote on public finances.

The Dow Jones industrial average <.DJI> was up 42.08 points, or 0.35 percent, at 12,110.47. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.SPX> was up 8.10 points, or 0.64 percent, at 1,269.22. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.IXIC> was up 25.21 points, or 0.94 percent, at 2,720.46.

(Reporting by Angela Moon, Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)